Eye surgery to remove glasses refers to surgical procedures to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These procedures reshape the cornea or implant specialised lenses to improve vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Many people opt for these surgeries to gain visual freedom, enhance their quality of life, and avoid the inconvenience of prescription eyewear.
Who Can Get It?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for eye surgery to remove glasses. Before undergoing any procedure, an ophthalmologist conducts a thorough assessment to determine eligibility. The general criteria include:
- Age Requirement: Most surgeons recommend the procedure for individuals over 18-21, as vision stabilises after this age.
- Stable Prescription: A stable eye prescription for at least a year ensures long-term effectiveness.
- Healthy Cornea: Patients should have sufficient corneal thickness, as some procedures involve reshaping the cornea.
- No Major Eye Diseases: Individuals with conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, keratoconus, or severe dry eyes may not be suitable candidates.
- General Health Considerations: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or certain medications that affect healing can impact eligibility.
Types of Eye Power Reduction Surgery
Multiple eye power reduction surgery types cater to different vision problems and patient needs.
Contoura Vision/Custom Eyes with Foresight
Contoura Vision / Custom Eyes with Foresight is an advanced, personalized laser vision correction technique that maps data points of your eyes. By treating even the tiniest irregularities on the cornea, it offers unmatched clarity, contrast, and sharpness. This technology is tailored uniquely to your eyes, aiming for vision beyond 6/6 — often referred to as super vision.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is the most common refractive surgery. It involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the underlying cornea with a laser, and repositioning the flap. This surgery can correct myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, offering a quick recovery and minimal discomfort. Advanced technologies like Contoura Vision and CustomEyes with Foresight can be incorporated into PRK to enhance precision and provide more personalised treatment plans.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) / Smart Surface
PRK does not require a corneal flap, making it suitable for individuals with thin corneas. Instead, the cornea’s outermost layer is gently removed, and a laser reshapes the underlying tissue. While recovery takes longer than LASIK, the visual outcomes are comparable. Smart Surface is a no-touch, flapless PRK technique that combines AI & 7D eye tracking technology for enhanced precision and faster healing.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) & SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis)
SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small incision is made in the cornea to extract a lenticule (a thin layer of corneal tissue) and reshape the cornea. It is commonly used for myopia correction and has a lower risk of dry eye complications. Alongside SMILE, advanced options like SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) offers additional precision and personalisation, further enhancing visual outcomes and patient comfort.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
ICL is an alternative for those who are not suitable for laser surgeries. A thin lens is implanted inside the eye to correct vision without modifying the cornea. This procedure is reversible and beneficial for individuals with severe refractive errors.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
RLE is similar to cataract surgery. In this procedure, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision. It is often recommended for individuals with extreme refractive errors or early cataracts.
Procedure
The procedure for eye surgery to remove glasses varies depending on the type of surgery. However, the general process includes:
Pre-Surgery Consultation
A comprehensive eye examination determines the patient’s suitability for surgery. Tests include measuring corneal thickness, assessing pupil size, and analysing refraction.
Surgery Day
- Numbing the Eyes: Special eye drops are used to anaesthetise the eyes, ensuring a painless procedure.
- Laser or Lens Implantation: Depending on the procedure, the surgeon may use a laser to reshape the cornea or insert an artificial lens.
- Completion: The procedure typically lasts 15-30 minutes per eye, after which protective shields are placed over the eyes.
Post-Surgery Care
After the surgery, patients must follow specific guidelines to ensure proper healing, including using medicated eye drops, avoiding eye rubbing, and attending follow-up appointments.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits
- Reduced Dependence on Glasses and Contacts: Most patients achieve clear vision, allowing them to lead an active lifestyle.
- Long-Term Vision Correction: The results of most procedures last for years, improving quality of life.
- Quick Recovery: Many patients resume normal activities within days to weeks.
- Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Unlike glasses, surgery corrects vision without obstructions.
Risks
- Temporary Dry Eyes: Some patients experience dryness post-surgery, usually resolving within months.
- Halos and Glare: Night vision issues such as glare and halos may occur but often improve over time.
- Risk of Infection: Though rare, infections can occur and are treated with antibiotics.
- Possibility of Enhancement Surgery: Some individuals may need additional correction if complete vision improvement is not achieved.
Recovery
The recovery period depends on the type of surgery:
- LASIK: 24-48 hours for initial recovery, complete stabilisation in 1-3 months.
- PRK: 5-7 days for surface healing, several weeks for complete vision clarity.
- SMILE: 3-5 days for improvement, with gradual stabilisation.
- ICL and RLE: Initial healing within a week, full adjustment in a few months.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities, screen exposure, and direct sunlight for a few weeks.
Alternatives to Glasses
For those who are not ready for surgery, alternatives to glasses include:
- Contact Lenses: Soft, rigid gas permeable, and hybrid lenses provide different vision correction options.
- Ortho-K: Special lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily.
- Vision Therapy: A non-surgical approach involving eye exercises to strengthen focusing abilities.
How to Stop Wearing Contacts
To transition away from contact lenses:
- Use Glasses Regularly: Gradually reduce contact lens usage to help the eyes adjust.
- Consider Other Corrective Methods: Ortho-K or implantable lenses offer non-surgical alternatives.
- Practice Good Eye Care: Reduce eye strain and maintain eye hygiene to prevent infections.
Choosing the Right Surgery
The best procedure depends on factors such as:
- Type and Severity of Refractive Error
- Corneal Thickness and Eye Health
- Lifestyle and Visual Needs
- Medical Recommendations
A consultation with an ophthalmologist ensures the most appropriate choice.
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FAQs
All modern procedures have a high safety profile when performed by experienced surgeons. The best choice depends on individual eye health and vision requirements.
Most patients achieve clear vision, but some may need reading glasses for age-related presbyopia later in life.
Initial recovery takes about 24-48 hours, but complete stabilisation can take up to three months.
No, the procedure is painless due to numbing drops. Some mild discomfort may occur during the healing phase.
The results are generally long-lasting, though natural ageing may affect vision over time.
